Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 735 - 313: Arrival at Jiyuan Continent

"Let's go!"

Ji Yuan commanded a puppet to shield him, and he charged into the passage ahead.

Du Wanyi cast one final glance westward before following closely behind, vanishing into the immense wind.

With the sea map in possession and Hua Yaoyue having charted the course, Ji Yuan did not strictly need to make this journey.

However, he was unwilling to let Du Wanyi travel alone, and he also wished to get acquainted with the path, so he resolved to accompany her.

The passage was not particularly lengthy; at maximum speed, it would take just over a day to traverse.

Yet, the route was convoluted, featuring sections submerged beneath the ocean and passing through territories inhabited by Tier Four Sea Beasts.

Consequently, Ji Yuan and Du Wanyi proceeded at a more measured pace, particularly during the underwater segments.

Ji Yuan’s Breath Concealment Technique was exerted to its utmost capacity, enabling their passage through this oceanic stretch without incident.

Ten days elapsed.

From beneath a placid expanse of sea sponge, a flying boat erupted suddenly and emerged onto the water's surface, skimming rapidly across it.

"Phew, we've finally arrived,"

Even Ji Yuan emitted a profound sigh of relief at this juncture.

Standing behind him, Du Wanyi's gaze swept across the surroundings with curiosity, only to discover...

"This place doesn't appear significantly different from our Cangluo Continent."

"It's all within this same mortal realm; how vastly different could it be?" Ji Yuan chuckled. "But just wait until Second Sister fully sets foot on the Jiyuan Continent; then the true distinctions will become apparent."

"Mm, don't you worry, Fourth Brother."

Throughout their travels, Du Wanyi had reiterated this assurance multiple times.

"Very well, naturally I won't, but Second Sister, do maintain your vigilance while you are here alone. Remember to exercise extreme caution."

Ji Yuan felt compelled to remind her once more.

"Mm."

Du Wanyi replied with solemnity, offering no further words.

Presently, the atmosphere between them grew heavy.

Both understood that they were on the verge of parting ways once more.

Fortunately, after this separation, their reunion would be imminent, so Du Wanyi did not exhibit excessive sorrow. She simply summoned her flying boat and stepped aboard.

"Alright, Fourth Brother, I have escorted you this far; there is no need for you to see me further."

Du Wanyi managed a smile that attempted cheerfulness.

"Very well, Second Sister, you depart first. I shall follow shortly thereafter."

"Then... alright."

Du Wanyi quickly averted her face, as if apprehensive of Ji Yuan perceiving something in her expression.

"Then... I'll be leaving now. Fourth Brother, please be careful on your return journey."

"Indeed, I will be."

Ji Yuan's tone carried a hint of melancholy.

Yet, upon reflection, it was precisely as he had conveyed to Hua Yaoyue.

This parting was a prelude to a more joyful reunion.

Du Wanyi's early arrival signified that he would not be without familiar faces upon his subsequent visits.

At the very least, there would be a place where he felt he belonged.

Or, to be more precise, a sense of belonging.

"Then I'm truly leaving."

After uttering these words, as if to ward off any wavering resolve, Du Wanyi swiftly activated the flying boat beneath her feet. It transformed into a streak of water-blue light, advancing eastward along the sea sponge.

At this moment, the nascent morning sun crested the sea, its brilliance causing Ji Yuan to squint.

Only when Du Wanyi had entirely vanished from his sight did he slowly retract his gaze.

He did not, however, hastily depart. Instead, he reached into his Storage Bag and produced two sheets of paper.

Previously, just before departing Qingqiu City in the Xi Kingdom, his Divine Sense had detected these two writings, which Xiao Yu had identified as Du Wanyi's – fragments she had been unable to bring herself to destroy.

Ji Yuan took the first sheet in his right hand, unfolded it, and began to read the elegantly formed small script.

He had encountered this particular calligraphy before, back in the Cloud Rain Marsh.

Consequently, it now felt remarkably familiar.

Written in stark black ink upon the crisp white paper, the lines read:

"Tailor the cloud dress, paint the lips, the sword tassel awaits the returnee's embrace."

Ji Yuan's hand quivered almost imperceptibly upon reading this sentence.

Without further hesitation, he promptly unfolded the second sheet. This one contained significantly more text, appearing hastily scribbled, indicative of Du Wanyi's agitated state of mind while composing it.

The inscription, again in black ink on white paper, declared:

"Embroidered green shirt, red adornments, my heart's beloved, never forgotten."

For a fleeting moment, even Ji Yuan, possessing a mind usually as clear as a mountain spring, felt the immense weight of these two sheets of paper, as if burdened by a thousand pounds.

He abruptly turned his head towards the direction Du Wanyi had disappeared, an instinctive urge to pursue her seizing him.

However, his flying boat, though activated, remained utterly motionless.

If he were to catch up, what then?

Would he propose becoming Dao partners with Du Wanyi?

Ji Yuan found himself unable to utter such words; he felt that to speak them lightly would be a profound disrespect to Du Wanyi's deeply earnest emotions.

...Well then, the matters of the future must be left to unfold in their own time.

The immediate priority was to upgrade the Chaotic Burial Mound and to concentrate on achieving Core Formation in the near future.

At this moment, everything else faded from his attention. It was only because his physical body had reached the Golden Core Stage that he could even consider these possibilities. Ultimately, strength was the only true voice. With this understanding, Ji Yuan put away the two pieces of parchment, took a deep breath, and plunged back into the sea, retracing his path.

... Several months elapsed. Over Coastal City on the Cangluo Continent, two aged figures materialized from shimmering water distortions. One was adorned in black, the other in white. Upon their arrival, their Divine Senses swept across the surrounding waters. "So this is the Cangluo Continent? It truly looks like a mere island, such a limited territory." "Haha, isn't that the truth?" The elder clad in black robes scoffed. "The founder of Shang Court, that Saint Master, originated from our Jiyuan Continent. What kind of potential do you expect from this Cangluo Continent? Otherwise, why would they request external assistance?" "Indeed... someone approaches." The elder in white robes, having spoken, looked up to see a crimson light streaking towards them. It flashed several times before halting directly in front of them, coalescing into a captivating woman. "Very well, matters in Cangluo have been resolved. The promised rewards will be delivered. As for anything further... there is no need for your intervention." With her statement, she extended a hand, causing two Storage Bags to materialize before the two elders. However, neither of them reached for the bags. They simply exchanged a look and then chuckled. "No, no, no." "Wasn't the original arrangement to reopen the Teleportation Array connecting our continents?" As the elder in black spoke, the white-robed elder took a step forward. "We brothers primarily came to establish trade relations between Cangluo and our lands..."

(A brief chat from the author regarding Second Sister's situation.)